Chapter 26: A Battle of Wills

"You belong to me now."

The words echoed in my head, sinking into my skin like an unshakable brand.

No.

I wouldn't accept it.

Couldn't.

My wrists ached from where Dante pinned them above my head, his grip unrelenting, his body pressing into mine like a force of nature.

Overwhelming.

Consuming.

His breath fanned against my jaw, his lips skimming over my throat in a slow, deliberate torment.

"Fight me all you want, Kavy," he murmured, his voice thick with amusement. "We both know how this ends."

I swallowed hard.

He was right.

I could struggle, scream, claw my way out of his grasp—

And it wouldn't matter.

Dante was stronger.

Faster.

More dangerous than I could comprehend.

But I wasn't giving up.

Not yet.

My knee jerked upward, aiming for his ribs, but he caught it easily, trapping my leg between his own.

A slow, satisfied smirk curled at his lips.

"Good try."

My heart slammed against my ribs.

I hated him.

Hated the way he toyed with me.

Hated the way my body betrayed me under his touch.

He tilted his head, studying me like a predator deciding whether to play with its prey or devour it whole.

"You're still holding on to the idea that you can fight this." He tsked, shaking his head. "Stubborn little thing."

His grip on my wrists loosened—just enough for me to rip free.

I pushed against his chest, rolling us over, straddling him before he could react.

His brows lifted, amused.

I wrapped my hands around his throat, tightening my grip.

"Let me go." My voice was sharp, demanding.

Dante's smirk didn't waver.

His hands slid up my thighs, settling on my hips. Steady. Possessive.

"Make me."

Heat rushed through my body.

I pressed down harder, but it didn't faze him.

His piercing eyes locked onto mine, unwavering, waiting—

Challenging.

"You want control, Kavy?" His voice was a velvet trap. "Take it."

My grip faltered.

Dante felt it.

Saw it.

And in the next second—

I was on my back again, wrists pinned, breath stolen.

His lips were at my ear, voice a dark promise.

"But we both know you never stood a chance."

And the worst part?

He was right.

Again.